{"id":59949,"date":"2026-05-08T20:51:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T17:51:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/where-to-stay-in-santorini\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T21:46:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T18:46:01","slug":"where-to-stay-in-santorini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-santorini\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to stay in Santorini – the best places and hotels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Santorini<\/strong> is an incredibly picturesque volcanic island, consisting of high cliffs with whitewashed houses overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Greek islands. In ancient times, Santorini was called Kaliste\u2014which translates as “the most beautiful”. The cliffs not only make it an excellent spot for watching sunsets but also offer plenty of luxurious places to relax with breathtaking views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on when you plan your trip to Santorini and with what purpose, how you want to move around the island and how many days you plan to spend on it\u2014you should choose your base and its hotels accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will explain where it is best to stay if you want to see dizzying sunsets every day, or have access to cheap buses, or relax on Santorini’s volcanic beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Santorini \u2013 An Island Guide for Independent Travelers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Geography of the Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Santorini<\/strong> is a small group of volcanic islands, most of which remain after a volcanic explosion that occurred around 1500 BC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What remains is, in essence, the eastern half of the original island, a thin crescent-shaped strip of land rising above the famous caldera\u2014a section of the sea covering sunken parts of the volcano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get a sense of its size, consider that the drive from the Akrotiri<\/strong> lighthouse at the far south to the town of Oia<\/strong> in the north takes only 45 minutes by car.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Western (caldera) side<\/strong> of Santorini has high (300 meters), steep cliffs that descend directly into the water. This part has the “caldera view”\u2014the most beautiful and popular towns of Santorini are located here: Oia<\/strong> (or Ia), Fira<\/strong> (or Thira), Firostefani<\/strong>, and Imerovigli<\/strong>. They are also the most crowded and expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you are interested in being in a quiet place with beautiful sunsets, take a look at Akrotiri<\/strong>. The town is also located on the western side, but here accommodation prices are lower, the atmosphere is more peaceful, and the views are lovely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Inland<\/strong> there are also small villages\u2014they are smaller and quieter, have a bit more authentic atmosphere with less tourist flair. They are located on hilltops overlooking the countryside, most of which is planted with vineyards where the Assyrtiko<\/strong> grape is grown for the local Santorini white wine. Pyrgos<\/strong> is the most famous of the inland villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eastern towns,<\/strong> most of which are located to the south of the airport<\/strong>, are the beach towns of Kamari<\/strong> and Perissa<\/strong>, with a laid-back atmosphere. They are less impressive, and the views are nothing special but provide easy access to sandy shores and swimming spots, which can be a huge relief during the oppressive hot summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fira (Thira) \u2013 for Convenient Public Transport Use<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pros<\/strong>: In the center of the town is the bus station, from which buses radiate out like sunbeams to all other towns on the island. This is very convenient, especially if you do not plan to rent a car.
Cons<\/strong>: keep in mind that cruise liners dock at the Gialos port, which is located below the town. So you need to be prepared for large crowds on days when cruise ships arrive (see the arrival schedule on Cruisemapper<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thira, the capital of Santorini<\/strong>, is located on the western side of the island, offering stunning views of the caldera. It is a lively town with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and plenty of shops and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a convenient town with good transport connections, a variety of (not only expensive) cafes and restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, I recommend Fira. This is the island’s main transport hub and a great base for exploring it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like all caldera towns, Fira is built on a steep hillside, so the town is a labyrinth of winding narrow alleys, arches, porticos, stairs, and hidden alcoves. One of the pleasures of staying here is to stroll and get lost among these narrow paths and suddenly stumble upon a viewpoint overlooking the blue Aegean Sea and caldera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do in Fira<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Dining options in Fira are diverse, with restaurants ranging from cheap street food to traditional tavernas and marked-up tourist offerings. There\u2019s a bit of everything here! Taverna “Fusionnelle”<\/strong><\/a> is a great small tavern (without a caldera view) with a very pleasant atmosphere and, most importantly, delicious food. Or the small restaurant Salt& pepper<\/a><\/strong>\u2014a few tables and tasty Greek cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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